View Project

G2S Project Code: 2020-MS-85337
State: Mississippi
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
Mississippi Library Commission

Project Director
Director Name: Jennifer Peacock
Director Phone: 601-432-4042
Director Email: jpeacock@mlc.lib.ms.us
General Information
Title: CARES Act: Empower Libraries - Institutional Capacity
State Project Code: CAFIC
Start Date: 04/21/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: This project provided funding to enhance technology and meet infrastructure needs in libraries to improve access to information and services due to, and during, the COVID 19 pandemic. 

State Goal: Empower Libraries
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$67,225.63
$0.00
$4,471.54
$71,697.17
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Technology Acquisition
Narrative: The libraries purchased technologies and supplies to help ensure and improve library services and access to patrons throughout the COVID 19 pandemic. 
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 1
Number of acquired equipment used: 1
Number of hardware items acquired: 172
Number of acquired hardware items used: 172
Number of software items acquired: 1
Number of acquired software items used: 1
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 192
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 192


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 23
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Many library systems met the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic by utilizing CARES funds to purchase tech supplies and materials to not only improve the libraries' tech infrastructure but to also improve operational responses to patron needs. The CARES funds allowed for many library systems to continue providing services to their communities despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, one library system reported that "with the purchase of laptops and webcams, patrons were able to access library internet while remaining socially distanced, and staff were able to communicate via Zoom and continue providing virtual services." Another system purchased laptops for patron checkout, and even with full social distancing protocols in order, they reported a "100% checkout rate" of the computers. Another library system that had frequent late fees purchased an electronic credit/debit card payment system to ensure totally contactless payments and reported that "Seven branches now have the ability to accept debit and credit card payments form its customers. The library system processed 1,131 credit or debit card payments for a total of $8,076.24 since the system was installed- the library is now able to offer a more convenient and contact-less payment method to our patrons". Ultimately, the CARES funds ensured that library systems statewide could continue safe, effective services without contributing to the spread of the COVID19 virus.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
These outcomes are important as they continue to show the necessity of library services, even during a phenomenon such as a pandemic. As one library system reported, "Because the library had this equipment (laptops and webcams for public use) on hand, a gentleman and his attorney were able to consult about the gentlemen's case, despite being in different cities; A college student rushed to the library one day after her home computer crashed. She was desperate because she was on a deadline to conduct a final interview with her instructor before she could graduate college. She came to the library because she heard the library offered webcams for public use". Even with the COVID 19 pandemic, work, school, and communication overall has not slowed. Enabling libraries to have the resources to purchase necessary technology to continue operations has proved crucial for many Mississippians during this past two years.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Access to properly functioning technology, equipment and other tech resources, not only ensures that services for patrons can safely continue during socially distanced times, but also that library staff can continue to work efficiently. Another lesson learned was the gap that COVID 19 wedged between folks. Lack of human interaction was eased by libraries being able to purchase technology and bridge communication not only between staff, but also between patrons as well.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: